Not Indonesia Raya: How It Came To Be

Indonesia Raya is the national anthem of Indonesia, and it is a beloved symbol of patriotism and national pride for many citizens of the country. However, the anthem has not always been the same. In fact, the anthem has gone through many changes over the years and has been subject to different interpretations.

The first national anthem of Indonesia was adopted in 1945, shortly after the country declared its independence. This anthem was called ‘Indonesia Pandeglang’ and was composed by Wage Rudolf Soepratman. The song was a patriotic anthem that expressed the hope for a free and independent Indonesia. However, the anthem was not widely accepted and was replaced in 1948 with a new anthem written by WR Supratman.

The second national anthem of Indonesia was titled ‘Indonesia Raya’. The song was composed by WR Supratman and was based on a folk melody. The lyrics of the song were a set of patriotic verses that expressed the pride of the Indonesian people and their desire for justice and freedom. This anthem was widely accepted and is still the national anthem of Indonesia today.

In the years following the adoption of ‘Indonesia Raya’, the song underwent several changes. Some of these changes were made to make the song more accessible to the public and to make it easier to sing. For example, in 1959, the lyrics were changed slightly so that the song could be sung in two-part harmony.

The next change to the anthem came in 1999, when the president of Indonesia issued an order to replace the original lyrics with a new set of words. The new words were written by poet Iman Soeprapto, who wanted to create an anthem that was more inclusive of all Indonesians, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. The new lyrics were designed to promote unity and celebrate diversity, while still expressing the Indonesian people’s love for their nation.

In 2004, the anthem underwent yet another change. This time, the changes were made to address criticisms that the anthem was too focused on the past and did not reflect the current state of the nation. As a result, the lyrics were revised to focus more on the present and the future of Indonesia. The changes were largely accepted by the public and the anthem was kept intact.

Although the anthem has gone through many changes over the years, it still remains a beloved symbol of patriotism and national pride for many Indonesians. Even though it is not the same as it used to be, ‘Indonesia Raya’ still serves as a reminder of the struggles that the Indonesian people have endured to achieve freedom and justice.

Conclusion

Indonesia Raya has gone through many changes over the years and has been subject to different interpretations. However, despite the changes, the anthem remains a beloved symbol of patriotism and national pride for many Indonesians. Even though it is not the same as it used to be, ‘Indonesia Raya’ still serves as a reminder of the struggles that the Indonesian people have endured to achieve freedom and justice.